Starter Chemistry List - Is It OK?

[Bella B]

Hello,

I wish to develop analog films at home, but I am very new to the area. I have been shooting for years now but the recent increase in the prices of film development made me wish to do it on my own - also another component I can play with, yay!

My initial searches lead me to kits that have blix in them, however, I read many people like separate bleach/fix solutions. I have put together the following list I would like to share with you, and get your opinions on. Please let me know if the string of chemicals I listed below is appropriate to use together or not. If not, I would love to hear your suggestions on replacements.

Developer: Kodak 8415580 Extacolor Paper Developer/Replenisher
Bleach: Kodak C41RA Flexicolor Bleach Replenisher NR For Color Negative Film
Fixer: Kodak C-41 RA Fixer/Replenisher
Stabilizer: Kodak 8264442 Prime Stabilizer/Replenisher

As I mentioned, I am very new to this area so I wanted to start with a more or less simple process even if it means not the best results. I can give links to the products if you'd like me to. I have no idea if these products can be used together or not. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
I'll let the people who regularly develop C41 films chime in with more complete information, but one thing about your list jumps out at me.
"Kodak 8415580 Extacolor Paper Developer/Replenisher" is for RA-4 prints, not C-41 film.

 

[Rudeofus]

Developer: Kodak 8415580 Extacolor Paper Developer/Replenisher

This is for color prints, not for color negatives.

When I started out developing color film, I used BLIX kits for many years. They may not be perfect, but they are typically good enough. There's a lot to learn when you start out, and having only two liquids at correct temperature makes this whole thing a lot easier. Once you've gone through a few kits it could be time to move to more professional products, assuming you have the volume of film to justify their large packages.

 

[Bella B]

Welcome to Photrio.
I'll let the people who regularly develop C41 films chime in with more complete information, but one thing about your list jumps out at me.
"Kodak 8415580 Extacolor Paper Developer/Replenisher" is for RA-4 prints, not C-41 film.

I found that weird as well but that is the one Adorama suggested so I went along with it. Thank you for the warning!

This is for color prints, not for color negatives.

When I started out developing color film, I used BLIX kits for many years. They may not be perfect, but they are typically good enough. There's a lot to learn when you start out, and having only two liquids at correct temperature makes this whole thing a lot easier. Once you've gone through a few kits it could be time to move to more professional products, assuming you have the volume of film to justify their large packages.

Thank you very much, I may get a kit to begin with if the result isn't all that different. What developer would you recommend when I switch to a whole set of chemicals?

 

[cmacd123]

and take care that some of the chems come as a "replenisher" which also needs a "starter"

 

[Bella B]

and take care that some of the chems come as a "replenisher" which also needs a "starter"

I have read that only the developer needs a starter and water can be used to dilute the bleach and fixer for Kodak c41.

 

[MattKing]

The starters prepare a replenisher solution for immediate, steady state use. Essentially, they season the solution.
The dilution that water provides is a necessary but different step.
There may be instructions out there that provide a work-around for non-developer replenishers.

 

[Ariston]

This is for color prints, not for color negatives.

When I started out developing color film, I used BLIX kits for many years. They may not be perfect, but they are typically good enough. There's a lot to learn when you start out, and having only two liquids at correct temperature makes this whole thing a lot easier. Once you've gone through a few kits it could be time to move to more professional products, assuming you have the volume of film to justify their large packages.

I agree with this. The kits work well and come in different sizes. You want to make it as easy on yourself as possible at first.